This Open is really wide open

BETHESDA, Md. -- Each of the past 10 majors has been won by a different golfer, which says something, but pros aren't sure what.

"It's exciting, isn't it? It's nice to have different champions. It's interesting for golf and the world," said Germany's Martin Kaymer, who won the PGA Championship last year. "And why is it like this? I have no idea. Obviously, Tiger hasn't been up to his best form recently, the last two years. But I think for us Europeans, it's fantastic."

Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, the defending U.S. Open champion, added: "Younger players are so much more ready for the tour when they come out . . . They know how to win. They're not scared anymore."

Els becomes a member

Ernie Els, who won the Open here in 1997, said that he has become a Congressional member. So how did he do it? "You've just got to win a U.S. Open . . . So keep practicing."